System and Method for Mounting a Badge on a Vehicle

ABSTRACT

A system and method for mounting a badge to a component of a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a mounting base including first and second fastening apertures defined therein, and a trim ring coupled with the mounting base having an opening defined therein. The badge is adapted to be securely mounted between the trim ring and the mounting base so that the badge is positioned within the opening in the trim ring. The system further includes a flexible fastening member that is configured to be positioned within the first and second fastening apertures, positioned around at least a portion of the component of the vehicle, and between the mounting base and the badge to fasten the badge to the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a badge assembly; more particularly,the present invention relates to a system and method for mounting abadge assembly on a grill or other component of a motorized ornon-motorized vehicle without the need for tools.

It is common for a motor enthusiast to attach one or more badges to hisor her vehicle to display indicia representing a country of origin, anaffiliation with a motoring group, a slogan, the make or model of thevehicle, or another type of symbol. Typically, badges are mounted to thegrill of a vehicle so that they can be seen by someone viewing the frontof the vehicle.

Existing systems for mounting a badge to a grill of a vehicle typicallyinclude a mounting base and a retaining member. The mounting base andretaining member are first attached to the grill, and then the badge isattached to the mounting base. However, existing systems for mounting abadge to the grill of a vehicle are problematic because it is difficultto attach the mounting base and retaining member to the grill.

In order to attach the mounting base and retaining member to the grill,the mounting base is placed adjacent to an outer surface of the grill,and then the retaining member is placed adjacent to an inner surface ofthe grill so the grill is positioned between the mounting base and theretainer member. Then one or more screws or bolts are used to draw themounting base and the retaining member closer together so that bothcomponents are firmly in contact with the grill, wherein the heads ofscrews or bolts are positioned adjacent to the inner surface of thegrill and are therefore accessible from behind the grill.

The difficultly lies in gaining access to the inner surface of the grillto properly align the retaining member with the mounting base so thatthe screws or bolts may pass through the retaining member and threadablyengage the mounting base. Typically, the inner surface of the grill canbe accessed by opening the hood of the vehicle or going through theengine compartment in some manner. Some vehicles have access to theinner surface of the grill by this manner, and some do not, whichseverely limits the variety of vehicles in which a badge can be mounted.

Even if access to the inner surface of the grill is gained by goingthrough the engine compartment, it is still difficult to align theretaining member with the mounting base, while at the same time tryingto thread the screws or bolts through the retaining member and mountingbase using a tool that is being utilized behind the grill. The need touse tools in combination with the limited accessibility of the rearportion of the grill makes the attachment of a badge to a vehicle usingexisting systems inconvenient and time consuming. Existing badgemounting systems are also problematic because they do not include areliable mechanism for preventing the badge from falling off during useor from being stolen.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a badge that can be easily andefficiently mounted to a grill of a vehicle. Further, there is a needfor a system and method for mounting the badge to the grill of a vehiclewithout using tools. The present invention fills these needs as well asother needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the above stated problems and limitations there isprovided a system for mounting a badge to a component of a vehicle. Thesystem comprises a mounting base including first and second fasteningapertures defined therein, and a trim ring coupled with the mountingbase having an opening defined therein. The badge is configured to besecurely mounted between the trim ring and the mounting base so that thebadge is positioned within the opening in the trim ring. The systemfurther comprises a flexible fastening member, such as, for example, astrap or a cord formed of hook and loop material or an elastomericmaterial, configured to be positioned within the first and secondfastening apertures. The flexible fastening member is configured to bepositioned around at least a portion of the component of the vehicle,and positioned between the mounting base and the badge to fasten thebadge to the vehicle.

The system may also include a third fastening aperture defined in themounting base, wherein the flexible fastening member is configured to bepositioned within the third fastening aperture. The system may furtherinclude a fourth fastening aperture defined in the mounting base,wherein the flexible fastening member is configured to be positionedwithin the fourth fastening aperture. The first and second fasteningapertures may be disposed between the third and fourth fasteningapertures.

In addition, the flexible fastening member may include a first end and asecond end, wherein the first end of the flexible fastening member has afirst aperture defined therein. At least one post may extend from asurface of the mounting base, wherein the first aperture of saidflexible fastening member is configured to receive the at least onepost. Further, the second end of the flexible fastening member may havea second aperture defined therein, wherein the second aperture isconfigured to receive the at least one post.

The badge in the system may further include a first layer and a secondlayer, wherein the first layer has an indicia cut-out portion definedtherein and is positioned within the opening in the trim ring. Thesecond layer may be positioned between the first layer and the mountingbase so that the second layer is visible through the indicia cut-outportion.

The system may further include a magnetic layer and a metal base plate,wherein the magnetic layer is positioned between the badge and the metalbase plate, and wherein the metal base plate is positioned between themagnetic layer and the mounting base.

The trim ring in the system may be threadably coupled with the mountingbase. The trim ring may also be hingedly coupled with the mounting base,in which case the system further comprises at least one fastener andwherein the trim ring has at least one aperture defined thereinconfigured to receive the at least one fastener. The at least onefastener may be configured to engage the mounting base to couple thetrim ring to the mounting base.

The system may include a plurality of fasteners, wherein the trim ringand the mounting base each have a plurality of corresponding aperturesdefined therein. In this instance, each of the plurality ofcorresponding apertures defined in the trim ring and the mounting baseare configured to receive one of the plurality of fasteners to couplethe trim ring to the mounting base.

The present invention also includes another system for mounting a badgeto a component of a vehicle. The system comprises a mounting baseincluding first and second sides and a fastening aperture definedtherein, and a trim ring coupled with the mounting base having anopening defined therein. The badge is configured to be securely mountedbetween the trim ring and the first side of the mounting base so thatthe badge is positioned within the opening in the trim ring. The systemalso comprises a flexible fastening member including first and secondends, wherein the first end is fixedly coupled with the second side ofthe mounting base. The flexible fastening member is configured to bepositioned around at least a portion of the component of the vehicle,positioned within the fastening aperture, and positioned between thefirst side of said mounting base and the badge to fasten the badge tothe vehicle. This system may further comprise at least one postextending from the first side of the mounting base, wherein the secondend of the flexible fastening member includes at least in aperturedefined therein. The at least one aperture defined in the second end ofsaid flexible fastening member is configured to receive the at least onepost.

The present invention also includes a method of mounting a badgeassembly to a component of a vehicle. The method comprises: providing amounting base including a first side and a second side, the mountingbase further including first and second fastening apertures definedtherein; providing a trim ring having an opening defined therein;providing a flexible fastening member including a first end and a secondend, the flexible fastening member having an aperture defined in thefirst end; inserting the flexible fastening member in the firstfastening aperture; inserting the flexible fastening member in thesecond fastening aperture and then through the opening defined in thefirst end of the flexible fastening member, wherein the first end of theflexible fastening member is positioned on the second side of themounting base; wrapping the second end of the flexible fastening memberaround at least a portion of the component of the vehicle and insertingthe second end of the flexible fastening member in the first fasteningaperture; positioning at least a portion of the second side of themounting base adjacent to the component of the vehicle; positioning thesecond end of the flexible fastening member on the first side of themounting base; positioning the badge adjacent to the first side of themounting base; and coupling the trim ring to the mounting base to couplethe badge to the mounting base, wherein the badge is visible through theopening in the trim ring, and wherein the trim ring operates to trap theflexible fastening member between the badge and the mounting base sothat the badge is securely fastened to the component of the vehicle.

The method may further include the step of inserting the second end ofthe flexible fastening member in a third aperture defined in themounting base instead of inserting the second end of the flexiblefastening member in the first fastening aperture. The method may furtherinclude the step of inserting the second end of the flexible fasteningmember in a fourth fastening aperture defined in the mounting base afterthe second end of the flexible fastening member is inserted in the thirdfastening aperture.

In the method, the badge may include a first layer and a second layer,the first layer having an indicia cut-out portion defined therein andpositioned within the opening in the trim ring. The second layer may bepositioned between the first layer and the mounting base so that atleast a portion of the second layer is visible through the indiciacut-out portion.

The method may also include the step of providing a magnetic layer and ametal base plate, positioning the magnetic layer between the badge andthe metal base plate, and positioning the metal base later between themagnetic layer and the mounting base.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the presentinvention will be set forth in part in the description which follows,and will in part become apparent to those in the practice of theinvention, when considered with the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and are tobe read in conjunction therewith, wherein like reference numerals areemployed to indicate like parts in the various views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front exploded view of a badge assembly in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear exploded view of the badge assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the badge assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the badge assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the badge assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the badge assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the badge assembly taken along line7-7 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a step in a method of mounting the badgeassembly to a grill of a vehicle;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a step in the method of mounting the badgeassembly to the grill of the vehicle that follows the step shown in FIG.8;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a step in the method of mounting the badgeassembly to the grill of the vehicle that follows the step shown in FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a step in the method of mounting the badgeassembly to the grill of the vehicle that follows the step shown in FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a step in the method of mounting the badgeassembly to the grill of the vehicle that follows the step shown in FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is a front exploded view showing another system for attaching amounting base to a component of a vehicle;

FIG. 14 is a rear exploded view of the system shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front exploded view showing yet another system forattaching the mounting base to a component of a vehicle;

FIG. 16 is a rear exploded view of the system shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a front view of a badge assembly showing another way tosecure a badge between a trim ring and a mounting base;

FIG. 18 is a partially exploded view of the motoring badge assemblyshown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a front view of a badge assembly yet another way to secure abadge between a trim ring and a mounting base; and

FIG. 20 is a partially exploded view of the badge assembly shown in FIG.19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2,reference numeral 10 generally designates a system for mounting a badge12 to a component of a vehicle, such as a grill of an automobile, inaccordance with a first aspect of the present invention. The system 10and badge 12 are collectively referred to herein as the badge assembly14. It should be understood that the use of the term “vehicle” shall beconstrued to include any motorized or non-motorized vehicle including,but not limited to, a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, trailer,snowmobile, snowboard, car rack, and the like.

In general, one aspect of the present invention comprises badge assembly14, which includes a mounting base 16 that is securably fastened to thevehicle component using a flexible fastening member 18. The badge 12 isplaced on mounting base 16, and a trim ring 20 is coupled with mountingbase 16 to securably fasten badge 12 between trim ring 20 and mountingbase 16.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-7, mounting base 16 includes a firstside 22 and a second side 24, wherein first side 22 has a recess 26defined therein. Four separate fastening apertures 28, 30, 32, 34 may bedefined in recess 26. All four of the fastening apertures 28, 30, 32, 34extend to second side 24 of mounting base 16. First and second fasteningapertures 28, 30 may be disposed between third and fourth fasteningapertures 32, 34. On second side 24 of mounting base 16, one or more padrecesses 36 are defined therein and configured to accept a correspondingnumber of pads 38. Pads 38 are positioned on second side 24 so that theywill contact the vehicle component to stabilize badge assembly 14 whenfastened to the vehicle. A peripheral edge 40 of mounting base 16 may bethreaded so that trim ring 20 can be threadably coupled with mountingbase 16. Mounting base 16 may further include one or more locator ridges44 that extend outwardly from first side 22 that assists in properlypositioning badge 12 on mounting base 16.

Badge assembly 14 further includes flexible fastening member 18 that isconfigured to be positioned within one or more of four apertures 28, 30,32, 34. Flexible fastening member 18 may be a strap, cord or any otherfastening member that will operate to provide the desired flexibility towrap around the vehicle component and the strength to attach mountingbase 16 to the vehicle. Flexible fastening member 18 may be formed of ahook and loop material, an elastomeric material, or any other materialthat achieves the objective described herein. Flexible fastening member18 may include a first end 46 and a second end 48, wherein first end 46has an aperture 50 defined therein configured for receiving second end48 of flexible fastening member 18.

Badge 12 may be positioned directly on first side 22 of mounting base 16to cover recess 26, wherein badge 12 is positioned on mounting base 16using locator ridges 44. Alternatively, badge 12 may have a magneticlayer 51 coupled thereto, and a metal base plate 52 may be mounted tofirst side 22 of mounting base 16, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2,wherein metal base plate 52 has an aperture 54 defined therein. The useof magnetic layer 51 and metal base plate 52 enables badge 12 to becoupled to mounting base 16 prior to the attachment of trim ring 20 tomounting base 16.

Badge 12 may either be a single layer or a multi-layered constructionincluding a plurality of layers positioned on top of one another as bestseen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 7. For example, multi-layered badge 12 mayinclude a badge graphic layer 56 and a badge base layer 58, whereinbadge graphic layer 56 may have an indicia cut-out portion 60 definedtherein. Badge graphic layer 56 is positioned within an opening 62defined in trim ring 20. Badge base layer 58 is positioned between badgegraphic layer 56 and mounting base 16 so that badge base layer 58 isvisible through indicia cut-out portion 60. It should be understood thatindicia cut-out portion 60 may take the form of any shape, symbol,letter or number. In addition, first and second layers 56, 58 may beformed of the same or different materials, formed of the same ordifferent colors, and formed of translucent, transparent or opaquematerials. In addition, mounting base 16 may optionally include a LED orLCD back light positioned within recess 26 so that badge 12 can be litup when the vehicle is in operation or at desired time intervals.

As best seen in FIGS. 1-7, trim ring 20 is configured to be coupled withmounting base 16 to securably mount badge 12 between trim ring 20 andmounting base 16, wherein badge 12 is positioned within opening 62 intrim ring 20. Trim ring 20 includes an inner surface 64 defining opening62, wherein inner surface 64 includes threads 66 that are configured tomesh with threads 42 disposed on mounting base 16 to fasten trim ring 20to mounting base 16. Opening 62 may also include a retaining ridge 68that is configured to contact an outer surface 70 of badge 12 to securebadge 12 against mounting base 16 when trim ring 20 is coupled withmounting base 16, and to prevent badge 12 from falling out of opening62. The present invention may also include a cap dome (not shown) thatis coupled to the trim ring 20 that covers opening 62 to shield badge 12from damage.

FIGS. 8-12 are a sequence of drawings showing one method of mountingbadge assembly 14 to a grill 72 of a vehicle 74. According to themethod, as best seen in FIG. 8, first end 46 of flexible fasteningmember 18 is positioned adjacent to second side 24 of mounting base 16so that aperture 50 is aligned with second fastening aperture 30. Next,second end 48 of flexible fastening member 18 is inserted into firstfastening aperture 28 and into recess 26 on first side 22 of mountingbase 16. Second side 24 of mounting base 16 may then be positionedagainst grill 72 so that flexible fastening member 18 is positionedbetween grill 72 and mounting base 16. Second end 48 of flexiblefastening member 18 is then inserted into second fastening aperture 30and through aperture 50 defined in first end 46 of flexible fasteningmember 18 as best seen in FIG. 8. As best seen in FIG. 9, second end 48of flexible fastening member 18 is then wrapped around at least aportion of grill 72 and inserted into third fastening aperture 32 sothat second end 48 of flexible fastening member 18 is positioned inrecess 26 on first side 22 of mounting base 16. Tension may then beapplied to second end 48 to draw mounting base 16 against grill 72.Alternatively, instead of inserting second end 48 of flexible fasteningmember 18 into third fastening aperture 32, second end 48 could beinserted into first fastening aperture 28. At this point, second end 48of flexible fastening member 18 may be positioned within recess 26 onfirst side 22 of mounting base 16, badge 12, and magnetic layer 51, ifused, may be positioned on top of mounting base 16 to mechanically trapflexible fastening member 18 within recess 26, and then trim ring 20 maybe coupled with mounting base 16 to complete the mounting of badgeassembly 14 to vehicle 74. However, second end 48 of flexible fasteningmember 18 may also be inserted into fourth fastening aperture 34 (FIG.10), or back through second fastening aperture 30, prior to placement ofbadge 12, magnetic layer 51, if used, and attachment of trim ring 20 tomounting base 16, as best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12.

As best seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the present invention includes analternative badge assembly 10 a including mounting base 16 a andflexible fastening member 18 a for attaching badge 12 to a vehicle. Itshould be understood that badge 12 and trim ring 20 are similar to thosedescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1-7, and need not be discussed infurther detail. As best seen in FIG. 14, a first end 46 a of flexiblefastening member 18 a is fixedly coupled to a second side 24 a ofmounting base 16 a using a screw, cold mold, or other type of fasteningmechanism 76. A second end 48 a of flexible fastening member 18 a isconfigured to be positioned within a fastening aperture 78 defined inmounting base 16 a. Flexible fastening member 18 a has at least oneaperture 80 defined therein that are configured to receive one or moreposts 82 that extend outwardly from a surface 84 on a first side 22 a ofmounting base 16 a. Flexible fastening member 18 a is configured to bewrapped around at least a portion of a component of a vehicle and fedthrough fastening aperture 78 so that one or more posts 82 can beinserted into at least one aperture 80 to securely fasten mounting base16 a to the vehicle.

As best seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the present invention includes anotheralternative badge assembly 10 b including mounting base 16 b andflexible fastening member 18 b for attaching badge 12 to a vehicle. Itshould be understood that badge 12 and trim ring 20 are similar to thosedescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1-7, and need not be discussed infurther detail. As best seen in FIG. 16, mounting base 16 b includesfirst and second fastening apertures 86, 88 defined therein, and firstand second posts 90, 92 extending from a surface 94 on a first side 22 bof mounting base 16 b. Flexible fastening member 18 b includes first andsecond ends 46 b, 48 b that are configured to be positioned within firstand second fastening apertures 86, 88, respectively. Flexible fasteningmember 18 b further includes a plurality of apertures 96 defined thereinconfigured to receive first and second posts 90, 92 so that mountingbase 16 b may be mounted to a vehicle component. For example, inattaching mounting base 16 b to the vehicle component, flexiblefastening member 18 b is first wrapped around a vehicle component, firstand second ends 46 b, 48 b are then positioned within first and secondfastening apertures 86, 88, respectively, so that first and second ends46 b, 48 b are positioned on first side 22 b of mounting base 16 b.First end 46 b is then fastened to mounting base 16 b by inserting oneor more of posts 90, 92 into respective apertures 96 in flexiblefastening member 18 b, and second end 48 b is fastened to mounting base16 b by inserting one or more of posts 90, 92 into respective apertures96 in flexible fastening member 18 b so that mounting base 16 b issecurely attached to the vehicle component. While FIG. 15 shows thatmounting base 16 b includes first and second posts 90, 92, it should beunderstood that flexible fastening member 18 b may be attached tomounting base 16 b using one post or more than two posts.

As best seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, the present invention includes analternative badge assembly 10 c including a trim ring 20 a for securelyfastening badge 12 to a mounting base 16 c. In this aspect of theinvention, trim ring 20 a is coupled with mounting base 16 c using ahinge 98. Badge 12 is placed against mounting base 16 c, trim ring 20 ais then pivoted relative to mounting base 16 c so that badge 12 ispositioned between trim ring 20 a and mounting base 16 c. Assembly 10 cmay further include a fastener 100, for example, a screw, that ispositioned within an aperture 102 defined in trim ring 20 a, whereinfastener 100 is configured to engage an outer surface 104, or acorresponding aperture (no shown) formed in outer surface 104, to fastentrim ring 20 a to mounting base 16 c. It should be understood that trimring 20 a may include a plurality of apertures defined in outer surface104 that are configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to securetrim ring 20 a to mounting base 16 c. Trim ring 20 a may also include asnap protrusion (not shown) extending from its inner surface 64 a thatis configured to engage mounting base 16 c to prevent trim ring 20 afrom inadvertently swinging open and releasing badge 12.

As best seen in FIGS. 19 and 20, the present invention includes ananother alternative badge assembly 10 d including a trim ring 20 b forsecurely fastening badge 12 to a mounting base 16 d. In this aspect ofthe invention, a plurality of fasteners 106 are provided along with acorresponding number of apertures 108, 110 defined in a trim ring 20 band mounting base 16 d. Badge 12 is first placed against mounting base16 d, and trim ring 20 b is positioned over badge 12 so that apertures108 are aligned with apertures 110. Fasteners 106 are then positionedwithin apertures 108, 110 and tightened so that trim ring 20 b is drawncloser to mounting base 16 d to securely fasten badge 12 to mountingbase 16 d.

The badge assembly system described above provides a number ofadvantages and improvements relative to existing badge assembly systems.For example, the present invention provides a badge assembly system thatuses a flexible fastening member that is capable of attaching a badge toa vehicle component that is oriented in a horizontal direction, avertical direction, or any other direction. The badge assembly systemcan also be mounted from the front a vehicle with no tools due in partto the use of the flexible fastening member and the configuration of themounting base, as described above. By positioning the flexible fasteningmember between the badge and the mounting base, the flexible fasteningmember is trapped therebetween thereby securably fastening the badgeassembly to the vehicle. This is in contrast with existing badgeassembly systems that require the removal of a grill of a vehicle andthe use of tools to securely fasten the badge assembly from the rearportion of the grill, which is time consuming and inconvenient.Furthermore, the use of a trim ring that securably fastens the badge toa mounting base in the present invention is advantageous in that itreduces the probability that the badge will inadvertently fall off themounting base or be stolen. The trim ring in the present invention alsoprovides the option of using badges with different thicknesses.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the preferred versions containedherein.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims,abstract, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or processdisclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations whereat least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Eachfeature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract,and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same,equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus,unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one exampleonly of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

1. A system for mounting a badge to a component of a vehicle, saidsystem comprising: a mounting base including a first fastening apertureand a second fastening aperture defined therein; a trim ring coupledwith said mounting base, said trim ring having an opening definedtherein, the badge is configured to be securely mounted between saidtrim ring and said mounting base so that the badge is positioned withinsaid opening in said trim ring; and a flexible fastening memberconfigured to be positioned within said first fastening aperture andsaid second fastening aperture, wherein said flexible fastening memberis configured to be positioned around at least a portion of thecomponent of the vehicle, and wherein said flexible fastening member isconfigured to be positioned between said mounting base and the badge tofasten the badge to the vehicle.
 2. A system in accordance with claim 1,wherein said mounting base includes a third fastening aperture definedin said mounting base, wherein said flexible fastening member isconfigured to be positioned within said third fastening aperture.
 3. Asystem in accordance with claim 2, wherein said mounting base includes afourth fastening aperture defined therein, and wherein said flexiblefastening member is configured to be positioned within said fourthfastening aperture.
 4. A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein saidfirst and second fastening apertures are disposed between said third andfourth fastening apertures.
 5. A system in accordance with claim 1,wherein said flexible fastening member includes a first end and a secondend, and wherein said first end of said flexible fastening member has afirst aperture defined therein.
 6. A system in accordance with claim 5,further comprising at least one post extending from a surface of saidmounting base, wherein said first aperture of said flexible fasteningmember is configured to receive said at least one post.
 7. A system inaccordance with claim 6, wherein said second end of said flexiblefastening member has a second aperture defined therein, and wherein saidsecond aperture is configured to receive said at least one post.
 8. Asystem in accordance with claim 1, wherein said flexible fasteningmember is one of a strap or a cord.
 9. A system in accordance with claim8, wherein said flexible fastening member is formed of at least one of ahook and loop material and an elastomeric material.
 10. A system inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the badge includes a first layer and asecond layer, said first layer having an indicia cut-out portion definedtherein, said first layer positioned within said opening in said trimring, said second layer positioned between said first layer and saidmounting base so that said second layer is visible through said indiciacut-out portion.
 11. A system in accordance with claim 1, furthercomprising a magnetic layer and a metal base plate, wherein saidmagnetic layer is positioned between the badge and said metal baseplate, and wherein said metal base plate is positioned between saidmagnetic layer and said mounting base.
 12. A system in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said trim ring is threadably coupled with said mountingbase.
 13. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said trim ring ishingedly coupled with said mounting base, wherein said system furthercomprises at least one fastener, wherein said trim ring has at least oneaperture defined therein configured to receive said at least onefastener, and wherein said at least one fastener is configured to engagesaid mounting base to couple said trim ring to said mounting base.
 14. Asystem in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a plurality offasteners, wherein said trim ring and said mounting base each have aplurality of corresponding apertures defined therein, and wherein eachof said plurality of corresponding apertures defined in said trim ringand said mounting base are configured to receive one of said pluralityof fasteners to couple said trim ring to said mounting base.
 15. Asystem for mounting a badge to a component of a vehicle, said systemcomprising: a mounting base including a first side and a second side,said mounting base having a fastening aperture defined therein; a trimring coupled with said mounting base, said trim ring having an openingdefined therein, the badge is configured to be securely mounted betweensaid trim ring and said first side of said mounting base so that thebadge is positioned within said opening in said trim ring; and aflexible fastening member including a first end and a second end,wherein said first end is fixedly coupled with said second side of saidmounting base, wherein said flexible fastening member is configured tobe positioned around at least a portion of the component of the vehicle,wherein said second end of said flexible fastening member is configuredto be positioned within said fastening aperture, wherein said flexiblefastening member is configured to be positioned between said first sideof said mounting base and the badge to fasten the badge to the vehicle.16. A system in accordance with claim 15, further comprising at leastone post extending from said first side of said mounting base, whereinsaid second end of said flexible fastening member includes at least inaperture defined therein, and wherein said at least one aperture definedin said second end of said flexible fastening member is configured toreceive said at least one post.
 17. A method of mounting a badgeassembly to a component of a vehicle, said method comprising: providinga mounting base including a first side and a second side, said mountingbase further including a first fastening aperture and a second fasteningaperture defined therein; providing a trim ring having an openingdefined therein; providing a flexible fastening member including a firstend and a second end, said flexible fastening member having an aperturedefined in said first end; inserting said flexible fastening member insaid first fastening aperture; inserting said flexible fastening memberin said second fastening aperture and then through said opening definedin said first end of said flexible fastening member, wherein said firstend of said flexible fastening member is positioned on said second sideof said mounting base; wrapping said second end of said flexiblefastening member around at least a portion of the component of thevehicle and inserting said second end of said flexible fastening memberin said first fastening aperture; positioning at least a portion of saidsecond side of said mounting base adjacent to the component of thevehicle; positioning said second end of said flexible fastening memberon said first side of said mounting base; positioning the badge adjacentto said first side of said mounting base; and coupling said trim ring tosaid mounting base to couple the badge to said mounting base, whereinthe badge is visible through said opening in said trim ring, and whereinsaid trim ring operates to trap said flexible fastening member betweenthe badge and said mounting base so that the badge is securely fastenedto the component of the vehicle.
 18. A method in accordance with claim17, wherein said method includes the step of inserting said second endof said flexible fastening member in a third aperture defined in saidmounting base instead of inserting said second end of said flexiblefastening member in said first fastening aperture.
 19. A method inaccordance with claim 18, further comprising the step of inserting saidsecond end of said flexible fastening member in a fourth fasteningaperture defined in said mounting base after said second end of saidflexible fastening member is inserted in said third fastening aperture.20. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein the badge includes afirst layer and a second layer, said first layer having an indiciacut-out portion defined therein, said first layer positioned within saidopening in said trim ring, said second layer positioned between saidfirst layer and said mounting base so that at least a portion of saidsecond layer is visible through said indicia cut-out portion.
 21. Amethod in accordance with claim 17, further comprising the step ofproviding a magnetic layer and a metal base plate, positioning saidmagnetic layer between the badge and said metal base plate, andpositioning said metal base later between said magnetic layer and saidmounting base.
 22. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein saidtrim ring is threadably coupled to said mounting base.
 23. A method inaccordance with claim 17, wherein said trim ring is hingedly coupledwith said mounting base, wherein said method further comprises the stepof providing a fastener, wherein said trim ring has an aperture definedtherein, and wherein said fastener is received within said aperture andengages said mounting base to securably couple said trim ring to saidmounting base.
 24. A method in accordance with claim 17, furthercomprising the step of providing a plurality of fasteners, wherein bothsaid trim ring and said mounting base have a plurality of correspondingapertures defined therein, and wherein each of said plurality offasteners are received within said plurality of corresponding aperturesdefined in said trim ring and said mounting base to securably fastensaid trim ring to said mounting base.